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Timed 5-Question GED RLA Skills Diagnostic

Hello. This first five-question set is a quick GED Reasoning Through Language Arts check-in. It samples the reading, evidence, and grammar skills that most often affect a passing score. Keep it simple: work steadily, choose the best answer, and do not overthink it.

Set a timer for 8 minutes. Answer all five before checking anything or asking for help.


Timed 5-Question RLA Diagnostic

1. Central idea

Read the passage.

Some cities are replacing unused bus shelters with small public libraries. Residents can borrow a book, leave one they have finished, or simply read while waiting for transportation. The libraries cost little because local volunteers maintain them and community members donate books. Although the shelves are small, supporters say they make reading more available in neighborhoods without nearby libraries.

Which statement best expresses the central idea of the passage?

A. Bus shelters are too small to be useful as public libraries.
B. Small libraries at bus shelters make books more accessible through community support.
C. Cities should spend more money building large libraries in every neighborhood.
D. Most residents prefer reading while waiting for public transportation.


2. Inference and evidence

Read the passage.

Malik arrived early for his job interview and reviewed the company’s website one last time. When the receptionist offered him water, he thanked her and placed his phone on silent. During the interview, he listened carefully to each question before answering.

Which inference is best supported by the passage?

A. Malik is not interested in the job.
B. Malik is trying to make a professional impression.
C. Malik has worked for the company before.
D. Malik believes the interview will be easy.


3. Evaluating evidence

Read the claim and the evidence.

Claim: The town should extend the hours of its community recreation center.

Which piece of evidence best supports the claim?

A. The recreation center was built in 1998.
B. The center offers basketball, swimming, and fitness classes.
C. A survey found that many residents cannot attend programs because the center closes before they finish work.
D. The center’s manager enjoys meeting community members.


4. Sentence correction

Which revision correctly fixes the sentence below?

The storm ended before noon, the roads remained closed for several hours.

A. The storm ended before noon the roads remained closed for several hours.
B. The storm ended before noon; the roads remained closed for several hours.
C. The storm ended before noon, because the roads remained closed for several hours.
D. The storm ended before noon, and the roads remained closed for several hours, because.


5. Subject-verb agreement

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

The list of required documents _____ on the office website.

A. are
B. were
C. is
D. have been


Send Your Answers

Reply in this format:

1. __ 2. __ 3. __ 4. __ 5. __

Do not worry if some feel uncertain. That uncertainty is useful information: it helps identify what to study first.


When you send your answers, your results will be sorted into these priority areas:

QuestionSkill being checked
1Finding the central idea
2Making an inference from details
3Choosing evidence that supports a claim
4Fixing a comma splice / sentence boundary error
5Subject-verb agreement

Next, you will focus on the central idea skill, beginning with a fast method for separating the passage’s main point from its smaller details.

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